by Marie Harte
His voice, when he spoke, sounded rich. Like the rumble of a jaguar, yet clear of intent and strong. Unlike most of the filthy men in the Territories, he smelled of sweat and power. The burning energy in his gaze discomfited her, the way the guardians at home could unnerve the enemy with just a look.
He handled a rifle with ease and sat atop a vore as if he’d been born in the saddle, as she’d heard many a man comment about natural-born riders. Thais herself didn’t care for horseback. Riding a vore, on the other hand, appealed to her, maybe because vores were rumored to be nearly as intelligent as people, or because they could never be fully tamed. Oddly enough, the vore and the man reminded her of home. And she began to dream…
Thick, humid air seethed with impending rain while variegated green leaves fluttered in the dying wind. The muted hum of insects, yowling jungle cats and screeching monkeys sweltered around the alien sounds of men in the village. Their presence remained a puzzle, an affront the Goddess had, for Her own reasons, once again allowed.
“I don’t like them.” Hidden carefully behind a fragrant shrub, Thais pushed several white petals aside for a better look. She glared with disdain at the pale skinned foreigners. Males. She rarely trusted them, but this group aroused her suspicion more than most.
“Neither do I,” Yara whispered, so as not to be caught by Thais’s mother standing close by.
The thick jungle that served as their home seemed oppressive under the weight of so many stares. Thais glanced at herself and Yara, still not understanding such extreme curiosity. The brief leopard-hide loincloth protected her sex, while the snug halter top gave her the support she needed for running through the jungle.
She wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead. The brevity of garb also gave her respite from the intense humidity. She took a perverse sense of pleasure watching the males in their long pants and heavy shirts sweat through their clothes.
Thais shoved her knife into the sheath at her waist. A gift, the dagger marked the anniversary of her birth just three days and eighteen years ago. On this very day that should have marked her passage into the warrior’s circle, she was forced instead to watch their queen entertain men from the Territories, a place she’d never even heard of.
Absently brushing a pink-toed spider the size of her fist from her shoulder, she continued her perusal through thick green leaves. She whispered to Yara, “They look as if they rarely see the sun. And their language is so ugly. It’s a wonder anyone can understand them. I sure can’t.”
A subtle breeze wafted through the air, bringing with it the scent of vanilla tea and pork cakes flavored with ginger. Thais’s mouth watered. She’d been so busy avoiding the foreigners, she’d forgotten to eat.
A rumble of thunder took her attention. Above, the darkening sky heralded oncoming rain. The canopy overhead would shield some of the village; the bamboo huts would cover what the trees didn’t, with the exception of the meeting ground. Sweat dripped down Thais’ back. She welcomed the rain, if only to ease the stillness in the air.
“If we hope to visit The Cave tonight, we must go before we are missed,” Yara urged. “If your mother or any of the other guardians see us, we’re doomed to sit around the fire and pay tribute for hours.”
Thais and Yara looked at one another then hurriedly backed away from the thicket. Grabbing the sacks at their feet, they tossed the bags over their shoulders. Yara set off into the jungle to meet their friends who had departed earlier. Thais finished sweeping their tracks and turned to follow when a large spear tapped her on the shoulder.
Shaken by the memories she could never quite escape, Thais woke with a start, trembling. After calming herself, she drew in on the strength that had promoted her to royal guardian just four short years ago. No fear of the past, only faith in myself, in the here and the now. Horses and vores. You were thinking about them.
An image of the warrior’s mighty black vore popped into her mind, and she settled back down, holding onto the creature like a talisman against unwanted memories. What it must be like to ride a wild stallion, as opposed to the brown mare she’d recently acquired.
Thais preferred walking on her own feet, despite the discomfort her boots afforded. But foot travel took too long. Already two fruitless months had passed searching for the Territory men and their heartless leader. She only had four more months before she met back with her sisters to exchange information. Best to get on with what she could.
She shifted in her bed and heard a long, drawn out moan drift through the wall.
“Yes, Lorie, oh yeah, baby. Suck it hard. Shit, yes!”
Uncomfortable at thoughts of Lorie sucking anything on her partner’s body, Thais buried her head under the goose-down pillow Kitty had provided. Though the room smelled fresh, the thought that women bedded men in here made her uncomfortable. In addition, the bed suddenly felt way too soft.
Dragging a few covers and the pillow with her to the wooden floor, Thais tried to sleep, but it was a long night.
The morning sun cut through the window right into her face. All night she’d tossed and turned, blotting out grunts and groans from men who should have been too tired to fornicate.
Groggy, she rose and used the water in the washstand to clean herself. After dressing in the same jeans, a clean shirt, clean bandana and hat, she shoved stocking feet into boots and walked outside for the lavatory. This one had a U-shaped seat, a connected pipe and box mounted to the wall, and a pull cord, all housed in a closet. Several of the tiny chambers sat next to one another, and after she did her business she opened the door.
“Hey, hon. How you doing?” Lorie, her vocal neighbor, stood waiting for the outhouse. “You can wash over there.” She pointed to a small stream beyond Kitty House.
Thankful, Thais cleaned herself and returned to the house, eager to begin her journey and bring herself closer to finding Bartel. And the queen’s crown. Don’t forget what you’re really here for.
A maid directed her to Kitty’s room the moment she entered the building. To her surprise, Thais found Kitty and the blue-eyed warrior sitting together and enjoying a meal.
“Come on over Tay-iss,” Kitty drawled her name. “Sit next to Hinto. You met yesterday, or so he says.”
Thais glared at the male. She wouldn’t be surprised to learn he’d been one of the men making so much noise during the night. He looked more than capable. Strong, full of energy, and well-rested.
“I did not know his name.”
“Hinto Dakota. And you’re Thais.” He savored her name as if tasting a rare dish. The comparison seemed just, and she watched him savor his food while he studied her with what looked like satisfaction.
She turned to the madam. “Kitty? I was hoping to talk to you again. In private.”
“Don’t worry, honey. Hinto’s a friend.”
Thais inwardly questioned the closeness of their friendship and immediately chastised herself for even wondering. “Yes, but—”
“You know, Thais. Here’s the thing. I can’t say why, but I like you. And I don’t like many people. I know I asked you for a favor, but it doesn’t sit right you going into harm’s way all by yourself. Hinto’s going with you.”
“What?”
“Killing that scum-sucking rapist Gregor is one thing. But if you’re serious about tracking anybody, you’re gonna need all the help you can get.” Kitty measured her with concern. “Can’t say as I’ve heard of this Bartel fella, but a man matching his description mauled a girl over at Delware’s, then had the nerve to insist I hook him up with one of mine. I don’t imagine you’re pining over this prick.”
“No.” Anything but that.
“Didn’t think so.” Kitty pointed at a chair next to Hinto. “Sit and eat before you go. You do that job you promised, and I’ll tell you every damned thing I remember about the fella at Delware’s and that girlfriend o’ his, the one with the flower. I can tell you she wasn’t quite right up here.” Kitty tapped her head.
“I don’t need any help f
inding Gregor or Bartel.” Not from Hinto, anyway. Thais did her best to concentrate on the plate Kitty filled with eggs, some yellow vegetable, and fruits.
“Then we don’t have a deal. You want my information? You take this one with you. Besides,” Kitty continued, “Hinto’s the best tracker there is. He always hits his mark. Except for Bob, of course.” Kitty snickered.
“Bob?”
Hinto glared at both women. “Never mind.” He concentrated his attention on Thais once more. “So you need this Bartel found, and you think the woman Kitty told you about will lead you to him?”
“Yes.”
“You told Kitty you know her. Do you want her or him?”
“I want them both.” Dead. Their heads on a slab.
“Right.” Hinto stared at her until she flushed.
“What?” she snapped and fiddled with her hat. She’d slept with her hair in a braid, as she often did. But she needed a full bath to be clean. Just thinking about Bartel and Pilar made her feel dirty.
“You and I can work out the details about Bartel after. Kitty’s got a man she needs dealt with first.”
“Damn straight, handsome.” Kitty winked.
Handsome? Thais considered the male next to her and admitted his attraction. Perhaps that was why she had a hard time holding her composure in his presence. She feared no man, not even that demon Bartel. But no one made her feel as uncomfortable as Hinto. His height, his muscle, the power resonating in the man could not be mistaken for anything but strength of will. She didn’t like the way she felt around him. Confused, off-center… nervous?
Kitty continued. “Hinto, you help Thais find Gregor for me, and I’ll throw in DeeDee’s contract as a bonus on top of what we agreed. But I’m telling you, the girl won’t quit. She likes it too much.” She cast a speculative look at Thais. “Sometimes it just takes the right man to light a woman’s fire.”
“Yeah, and sometimes only the right man can keep it burning,” Hinto growled back.
Not understanding them and at this point, not wanting to, Thais did her best to appreciate the food Kitty graciously shared. Avoiding the fluffy consistency of her eggs, Thais ate her fruits and vegetable and washed them down with a large glass of water.
“You done?” she asked Hinto, eager to find Gregor so she could end their association.
“I guess I am.” He took a swallow of a hot, bitter smelling drink and pushed back from the table.
Kitty stood and escorted them to the door. “I want Gregor’s pistol. Bastard never goes anywhere without it. You bring me that and I’ll know he’s dead. Now you go on, Hinto. I need a short word with Thais.”
“Fine. I’ll be waiting out front. Don’t be long,” he warned in a low growl and turned on his heel.
Already he thought to take charge. Thais would have to disabuse him of that notion. “What is it, Kitty?”
“I’ll put out some feelers of my own while you’re gone. But you be careful around Gregor. One look at you and he’ll want in those pants, sugar, sure as I’m standin’ here.”
“I can take care of myself.”
“I figure you can. But Hinto will help. He’s a good man. You can trust him with your life… and anything else you feel like sharing.” Kitty’s voice softened when she said, “Stay safe, honey. Let Hinto help you. Men aren’t the evil you think they are.”
If Kitty only knew.
“I’ll bring back Gregor’s gun.” Thais nodded her good-bye and grabbed her pack from her room. She met Hinto waiting out front and forced back the shiver of trepidation working its way up her spine. Looking at him, she had a feeling her life would never be the same.
She straightened in rebellion and shot him a frown. Thais could do without any more changes. She’d had enough the last few years to last a lifetime.
An hour later, Hinto walked with Thais to the stables. A visit to the mercantile gave them enough food and supplies to last the four day ride to Morrow, the last place Gregor had been seen. After saddling up their mounts, Hinto and Thais rode out of town.
The sun blazed in the early morning, promising a warm, dry day. Hot enough to draw a light sweat, but not hot enough to forego long sleeves.
They rode in silence for some time. Hinto didn’t press her, though he did enjoy looking at her. Beast seemed reasonably calm, and more than interested in Thais’s mare. Figured she’d ride a female.
“New to horses, hmm?”
She grunted.
“So where are you from?”
“Not here.”
“I gathered that.”
“Where are you from?” she asked, as if not expecting an answer.
“Shine. Up in Big Sky Territory.”
She glanced at him. Finally. “That’s north of Four Corners.” She spoke as if reciting her lessons. “One of the six territories.”
“Yeah.” Her accent, her unfamiliarity with customs and places… Where the hell was she from?
“I spent a year in Temeco.” She grimaced. “A very strange place.”
“Talk about a hell on earth. Half the things living down there in the dry areas could give the monsters in the IZ nightmares.”
“IZ?”
“You know, the Impact Zone? What most folks call the Divide? The area that separates the Territories from the East? How do you not know that?” Everything about the stubborn woman made him itch to know more. He didn’t like the feeling.
“I know about the Divide. I just didn’t know IZ meant the same thing. Most people call it Impact Zone or Divide.” She didn’t answer his question, and her accent thickened with irritation as she spoke.
“Right.” Hinto worked around criminals for a living. He knew the more information he had on a bounty, the better chance he had of nabbing the guy. If he wanted Thais out of his system, he reasoned the more he knew about her, the better. “When you got into town, did you register with the UTO?”
“The office that enforces the Nature Laws?”
“Good. At least you know what they are.”
“No. I did not register. I don’t need permission to travel through these lands,” she said, her shoulders stiff, her posture defensive.
Hinto shook his head. “You don’t know shit about the Territories, do you? The UTs are dead serious about the land. And when I say dead, I mean hanging dead.”
A woman who knew as little as she did about UTs wouldn’t last long in the Territories, even if she did fight like a goddamn pro. He was surprised she’d lasted this long. Why he should care was beyond him, but educating her about life in the Territories would at least fill the daylight hours. Tonight could be spent instructing her in other things.
“What do you know about the Territories?” he asked.
She scowled. “Is this a test?”
“This is called conversation. Unless you’d rather do something else to while away the time?” His leer left her no doubt about what he’d rather be doing.
She growled, “You touch me and you die.” Her knife appeared in her hand between one blink and the next.
“You’re fast, that’s good. And from what I saw the other day, both accurate and deadly. We’ll need that.” He paused and stopped Beast. She stopped beside him and tensed, as if preparing herself for battle. “Let’s get something straight, right now. I could be on you like green on grass before that knife came anywhere near me. But you don’t need it. I don’t rape women. I don’t need to. I’ve done a lot of killin’ in my time, but hurting a woman’s just not right.”
“Why? Because the warrior in you cannot fathom a fight with a ‘weaker’ opponent?” she asked with scorn, her grip tight around the handle of her sharp blade.
“Because my mama taught me better than that,” he said quietly. “You want a fight, I’ll give you one. But not for sex, and not for that knife. I’ve got my own, and it’s twice as big.”
“Bigger isn’t better.” The cunning in her gaze told him he’d have a tough time subduing her without a few marks, if it came down to it. Then what she�
��d said registered, and he couldn’t help laughing.
“Honey, bigger is always better. Course, I’ve heard harder trumps bigger, but what the hell do I know?”
The puzzlement on her face spoke volumes. The woman could handle herself with a knife, but the Territories and sex seemed to confuse her. A fucking virgin. His dick filled out beneath his fly, the thought of introducing Thais to sex too enticing for his peace of mind. It took every bit of willpower he had to bring his lust under control and sit under her heavy stare.
After a moment, she nodded and sheathed her knife. She urged her mount into a trot, and he nudged Beast to follow her. The sight of her ass in the saddle had him pushing Beast to ride beside her.
“The Territories.” She nodded imperiously, looking all around her at the red and orange-leaved trees, the tall grasses and indigo mountains in the distance. “Tell me more.”
“I’m sure you already know this, since you’re not at all new to the area,” he said with sarcasm, pleased when she scowled at him. “Close to a thousand years ago the whole of this land used to be united. Then the Great Storm hit. People disappeared, and it was thought to be the End. Except hundreds of years later, all of a sudden, we just popped up like seeds takin’ root and settled the land. East of the Divide became the East. West of the Divide became the Territories. There are six of them.”
She nodded. “NorthWest, Big Sky, Last Territory, Cali , Four Corner, and Temeco.”
“Yeah. Except we call Last Territory L.T., like we call the Impact Zone I.Z.”
She frowned and mumbled something he couldn’t understand.
“What’s that?”
“Continue about the Territories. I like this conversation.”
I’d rather use that mouth of yours for something other than talking. He sighed, aggravated with a libido suddenly raging out of control. “Before the Great Storm, people—and excuse my language—fucked up the land pretty bad. If the Great Storm hadn’t hit, we’d probably be dying from all the pollution, disease and trash filling the towns. The few folks left after those giant sky rocks hit decided to start new.
